This weekend the community was treated to an extraordinary production of Hello Dolly at OBHS. With just one day to catch our breath, we will have the opportunity to view two equally impressive performances by our boys and girls Nassau County Division C Championship basketball teams as they each seek the southeast regional title.

For such a small high school as OBHS, these feats are truly amazing. We owe much to the efforts of such dedicated faculty as: Linda Koevary, director/musical director; Frank Imperiale, set designer; Bruce Levorchick, girls basketball coach; and Tom Robinson, boys basketball coach. They have clearly brought out the best in our children and themselves to accomplish these successes.

But the story does not end here. All throughout our children's school years, they received a message of encouragement and support, not only from their caring parents, but also from the adults they encountered. The poise necessary to put everything they have on the line, in full public view, could not have evolved without the support of our community.

The teachers who show our children that hard work will pay off, who encourage them to believe in themselves and who support them by attending their concerts, games and performances, deserve our appreciation. The PAL coaches, dance instructors and Scout leaders who patiently teach our children the basics and the value of teamwork, merit our applause. Finally, the administrators and board of education, who provide an environment where a 'Cinderella' football team can have an undefeated season and a crew of high school students can build a set to rival any regional theater, deserve our recognition.

Congratulations to all of our young people for their extraordinary accomplishments and to their families for their unfailing support! And thanks also to our OBEN 'village' for helping them reach their goals.